Local food systems are once again gaining attention, both at the national as well as the global level, not just for the several benefits it can offer, but for the growing realisation that it is the only way for the survival of the planet. Several problems that our country is facing today – food insecurity, rising food prices, hunger, malnutrition, loss of biodiversity, is firmly rooted in the way we produce and consume our food. It’s time to rethink, reeducate, and regrow our food system, which is healthy and sustainable. There are a number of practical solutions already available. In this issue, we have made an attempt to present some of them through field experiences where local communities have built a sustainable local systems of food production and consumption.
Editorial – Regional Food Systems
How will we stop Hunger? Local efforts or global systems?
P V Satheesh
Michel Pimbert
Promoting a diverse food culture through people’s initiatives:
Campaign on food sovereignty in Mayurbhanj
Seema Prasanth
Regional Food Systems: Ensuring food security and genetic diversity
Suman Sahai
Regional seed systems in the Malnad: Preserving food security the traditional way
Tuula Rebhahn
Challenges of moving towards a food sovereignty perspective:
A realistic vision or flight of fancy?
Siddhartha
Bringing back millets into food systems
Vijay Jardari
Village level gene seed grain bank: An initiative to promote sustainable food and nutrition security
Alok Kumar Badoghar
The Narayana Reddy Column: Go local – reduce food miles
New Books – Regional Food Systems
Sources – Regional Food Systems
Food wastage – A social evil and a criminal act!
V Rajagopal
Biswamohan